WEST NEW YORK AND BEYOND – Indicted West New York Mayor Felix Roque was charged with a superseding count of conspiracy on Friday, according to a story on Politicker NJ. Roque will answer to the new charge, which was also filed against his son Joseph, in federal court on May 14, when he was already scheduled to be tried for computer hacking.

Roque and his son were arrested last May after they allegedly conspired to hack into a political opponent’s website that had been advocating a recall effort against the mayor.

A spokesman for the mayor, Pablo Fonseca, said that Roque is proceeding with his preparation for the trial.

"At this time Mayor Roque will allow the justice system to continue its course," Fonseca said in a statement. " He believes in our great constitutional democratic system, which states that you are innocent until proven guilty. We need to give the Mayor a chance to clear his name and reputation.”

Fonseca went on to say that Roque will continue to focus on West New York and his private medical practice.

“Mayor Roque will continue to govern and concentrate in serving his community specifically by closing the budget gap without affecting the excellence in services provided to its residents,” said Fonseca. “This will not affect his public office or his medical practice as a physician.” – Dean DeChiaro